Cricket News: Indian Cricket League May Make Return In New Form
Owner Essel Group making moves for entering the game again.
The Indian Cricket League maybe set for a return soon, either in a new avatar or completely re-structured, as the Essel Group which first started the league is planning on making a return to the gentleman’s game, according to a report by The Times of India.
The ICL first came into existence in 2007 as a private T20 cricket league involving players from major cricketing nations. It was seen as a rebel league by the Board of Cricket Control in India, which did not give its approval to the privately funded league. The competition involved mostly domestic talent from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and other countries.
Some major actives names and famous retired cricketers too were involved, however, including the likes of Inzamam ul-Haq, Kiran More, Shane Bond, Kapil Dev, Moin Khan, etc. Owned by the Essel Group which also owned Zee Entertainment, the matches were telecast only on that channel.
Lack of cooperation from the ICC, BCCI and governing bodies of other nations meant that the league was soon in trouble. An absence of big names and commercial sponsors, and inability to fight the BCCI meant that the league folded up in 2008, with the 2009 edition cancelled. The league had promised huge amounts to players and it was soon sued by the players who had participated in the league with the courts then awarding compensation.
It seems like Essel owner Subash Chandra’s interest in the game is not over yet, however. The Times report claims that the company has already registered with the Australian Securities and Exchange Commission, and other similar financial institutions in various member nations of the ICC. The report also claims an Essel executive has confirmed the move.
"The reports are correct (of registering companies). But they're all at a nascent stage and are still being worked upon. We'll share details as things develop,” the executive is quoted as saying. The insider was then asked about its bitter experience in the past with the BCCI and the ICC.
“That experience has taught us a lot and this time when we return, we'll be better prepared. We know how not to burn our fingers now,” the executive said to The Times of India.
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